New Jersey Commission on National & Community Service

History:
The New Jersey Commission on National and Community Service was created by Governor Christine Todd Whitman under Executive Order #20 in June 1994. The newly created Corporation for National Service in Washington invited governors to create state commissions to guide and oversee national service programs in the states.

The Governor designated the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) to host the commission and to serve as the administrative and fiscal agent for its AmeriCorps programs. Initial members were appointed to the commission in June 1994, an executive director was selected in August 1994, and later an office of community services was created within the Division of Field Services.

In 2003, the Commission was transferred to the NJ Department of State, where it is still currently housed.

The New Jersey Commission on National and Community Service aims to do the following:
Develop a statewide ethic of service and a comprehensive, coordinated program targeted to the needs of New Jersey and its unique community challenges. The programs will provide opportunities for service that bring diverse people together working for a common cause to get things done in communities, remove barriers and promote respect.

Address the service needs of the state by prioritizing needs and problems, then targeting resources and grants to the priority needs.

Guide the AmeriCorps program and ensure the effectiveness of its components.Develop and nurture partnerships among the education community, health care community, volunteer programs, the business sector, community-based agencies, foundations, state and local government units, cultural groups, youth programs and senior citizen groups that can work to meet the needs of our communities.

Develop a well-planned strategy to ensure public awareness through various public relations approaches, highlighting quantitatively and qualitatively desired outcomes.

Create a stable funding source for national and community service through fund-raising activities, endowments, and corporate funding to supplement other funding from the corporation.Infuse service-learning into the primary, secondary, and post secondary curricula to create future generations of adults committed to community service.

The State Commission is a nonpartisan, Governor-appointed commission. It is hosted by the New Jersey Department of State, Office of Community Services. Its role is to guide and oversee New Jersey’s National Service programs.

 

2012 AmeriCorps Formula Grant Funding

The NJ Commission on National and Community Service, NJ Department of State, announces funding opportunities for 2012 AmeriCorps Formula grants, a new 3 year cycle.

AmeriCorps is a national service program funded by the Corporation on National and Community Service (CNCS). The CNCS strategic plan has highlighted the following focus areas where service can make a major impact: education, economic opportunity, service by and for veterans, disaster services, energy conservation, and health.

Agencies eligible to apply include: public or private non-profit organizations; community and faith-based organizations; Local Education Agencies including charter schools; institutions of higher education; local, county or state government. Formula applications are reviewed only at the state level.

Application Deadline: May 10, 2012

More information

 

National Service Agency Requests Applications for September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance Grants

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) released a Notice for Federal Funding Availability (NOFA) today for the 2012 grant competition for the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance grants.

The September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance initiative grants range from approximately $50,000 to $150,000 are made to eligible organizations engaged in service activities that meet vital community needs and honor the sacrifice of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 or who rose in service as a result of that tragedy.

Please consult the CNCS website to read or download a copy of the NOFA, which provides complete information about this grant competition, including instructions for how to apply.

 

AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program Graduation

Hosted by the State Department of Environmental Protection, the NJ Watershed Ambassador Program is an AmeriCorps program centered on raising awareness about the problems with the watersheds of New Jersey. On July 15, 2011 at the Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association, the newest group of Watershed Ambassadors of over a dozen graduated after a year of service to the program and over 1,700 hours served by each.
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Prudential Honors Youth Volunteers from New Jersey

Rujul Zaparde, 16, of Plainsboro and Rocco Fiorentino, 14, of Voorhees were named the top two youth volunteers in New Jersey for 2011 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Rujul and Rocco were honored at a ceremony Sunday night, May 1, at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., where they each received a $1,000 award.
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Students Create School's New Ecosystem

Youth service and service-learning has already had a great impact on our students, schools, and communities in New Jersey. One great example is the projects taken on by students and teachers at Saddle Brook Middle & High School.

Students there saw an empty, under-used courtyard in the middle of the school and decided to turn it into what is now a flourishing outdoor classroom. It has taken years of hard work and dedication, but the school’s Environmental Club and science classes have given their time and energy toward helping the school community.
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